Black Swan Lake showdown with work to begin despite speculation it is not needed for a car park

GOLD Coast Show Society president Slim Boese has quit amid speculation the financially troubled historic event would be moved from the Turf Club. But what does this mean for Black Swan Lake?

Gold Coast Show Sunday. Picture Mike Batterham

GOLD Coast Show Society president Slim Boese has quit amid speculation the financially troubled historic event could be moved from the turf club and relocated at Mudgeeraba.

The potential move of the show reduces the need to fill in Black Swan Lake, with the future grassed area to be used as an overflow car park for big events and a horse training area.

Residents are planning to stage a protest at the lake about 7.30am today because they suspect work on filling what the council prefers to call a “borrow pit” will begin.

THE TRUTH ABOUT BLACK SWAN LAKE

Fencing around Black Swan Lake. Picture: Jerad Williams

Trapping has been conducted on several nights, which was part of the wildlife plan put forward by the Gold Coast Turf Club before it could begin earthworks at the Bundall site.

The Gold Coast Bulletin approached Mr Boese after learning of a breakdown in talks between the show society, the council and the turf club about future events.

Slim Boese has quit the Show Society. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

“I’m not the president. I resigned as president as of six o’clock last night,” Mr Boese said yesterday.

“I’ve been with the show 20-odd years. Unfortunately if I talk about it, if I told anyone about it, I would be sued.

“I don’t want to lose my house, my wife and my home because of the show society.”

Colleagues said Mr Boese was “scared” to comment after a meeting of the committee and talks with the council.

Area councillor Gary Baildon, a former show society president, behind closed doors at council has sought backing from colleagues to provide emergency funding for the society. He did not return calls late yesterday.

Black Swan Lake has new fences around it. Photo by Richard Gosling

The discussions have been held in private but recommendations to council after the talks included councillors supporting the show but requiring financial details before providing more funding.

“The show is going through a rough trot. Councillors may choose to provide support to help the show in 2018. But they need more information before moving forward,” a council source said.

COUNCILLORS WARNED LAKE WASN’T TOXIC

The Gold Coast Bulletin understands some powerbrokers at city hall are pushing for the show to be staged at Mudgeeraba despite the hinterland community having its own successful agricultural show.

Gold Coast Show Friday at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Rusty Thomas with his clowns. Picture Mike Batterham

Hinterland-based councillor Glenn Tozer confirmed a push was on to consider Mudgeeraba as an alternative site but he would oppose the move.

“It’s my view that every councillor expressed support for the city’s major show of the year,” he said.

But councillors also wanted a rundown on show finances and proof of improved relations between the committee and the turf club.

Photographs showing the abundant bird life at Black Swan Lake as it is about to be filled in. Picture: Ric Allport

“Mudgeeraba is fiercely proud of its agricultural show and wouldn’t want to compromise the 90-year history of that event,” Cr Tozer said.

“It still supports the Gold Coast Show held on its long weekend at another place in the city.”

Meanwhile, the RSPCA has joined residents and called on councillors to reverse their decision to allow Black Swan Lake be filled in by the turf club.

Hinterland-based councillor Glenn Tozer does not want the Gold Coast Show to be moved to Mudgeeraba. Photo: Jerad Williams

PUBLIC BANNED FROM BLACK SWAN LAKE

“The sorry saga of Black Swan Lake is unfortunately just another potential nail in the coffin for native wildlife,’’ a spokesperson for the RSPCA told the Bulletin.

“Numerous dubious and conflicting reports have been produced to ‘prove’ that the lake is basically a pool of chemical effluence as opposed to a rampant and viable breeding ground for native birds.

“A simple visit to the lake will show who is telling the truth. In its haste to chase the almighty vote, local government has basically ceased to look at viable although less convenient alternatives.”

Black Swan Lake. Photo by Michelle Hare

The spokesperson estimated the RSPCA Queensland’s wildlife hospital was dealing with about 8500 native animals and birds annually.

“This year that figure was over 24,000. Local councils are allowing more of the habitat to be destroyed and the animals and bird life have nowhere to go,” the spokesperson said.

“Black Swan Lake is a real opportunity for the local councillors to stand up and proclaim that they do care. It’s time to look outside the box for a different solution that will preserve and not destroy.”